In a bid to bring about a permanent settlement to the protracted Indo-Bangladesh border issues, the Bill to operationalise the Land Boundary Agreement, pending since December 2013, was cleared by the Parliament in a landmark decision and now includes territories in Assam along with those in West Bengal, Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya, and with the historic passing of the Constitutional Amendment by Parliament, the resolve by the central government is made clear to all and sundry. Meanwhile, the scenario back home regarding the boundary issues with its neighbors is heading in the opposite direction. The apparent indecision and hesitation on the part of the state government to take proactive measures to formulate a lasting solution has fueled the feelings of consternation and disappointment of the people. The rising voice of discontent has started echoing, with the added issue of the alleged encroachment of state land at Dzuko by inhabitants of Nagaland threatening to snowball the issue into one which will paralyse the administration of the volatile state yet one more time. The only way out of such a possible chaos is for the state government to draw the attention of the central government to the looming danger so that an enduring solution be prepared and implemented without further delay. But such a measure, even if taken up in all earnest, is not the final solution, but is rather the beginning. In order for the people in the state to develop a better understanding and appreciation of its natural and cultural wealth, developing an efficient means of transportation and communication is a must. Drawing a clear boundary is all very well, but to ensure that such boundaries are not breached or encroached upon, the people of the state need to stay unitedly vigil. Only a change in the present perceptions of the different communities towards others can bring about those much debated and discussed concepts of “integration” and “Cohabitation”, and if ever that has to happen, the government must improve the infrastructure and create opportunities for people to explore, understand, experience and appreciate the varied cultures, customs and traditions of the different communities in the state. Such a measure will also dispel the apprehensions and suspicions between groups or communities and help in fostering a sense of oneness which help in developing friendship, understanding and cooperation. When that happens, the government can rest assure that the integrity and security of its land is in good hands. But above everything, convincing the centre of the brevity of the situation regarding the escalating tensions along the borders of Manipur, perhaps more serious than some of the states whose boundary disputes have just been ratified, will convince the public of the intent of the slew of promises made on the issue by the state government.
